I think this is one of the top 5 best put on races in the Chicago racing scene with out question. The course is flat and fast, race management is always spot on, and the view and spectators are great!

Expo: easy and effortless to handle, this year it was at the Hilton downtown which was nicer than at the end of Navy Pier which is super in convenient to get to for both people driving and commuting via public transit. The Expo itself was small and easy to navigate around. I tend to try and get in and out as fast as possible and that’s exactly what I was able to do here.

Transportation to the race is great. They provide shuttle for people who are not driving from a few spots in the city to the race start which is on the far south side at the end of Lake Shore Drive, not the easiest to get to via public transportation. But if you do plan on taking the shuttle, which was free this year for runners, sign up in advance, they reached capacity quickly and I was forced to drive. Driving was a non issue as well! Make sure you get to the area before 6am however because that is when they shut down LSD. There is a parking garage near by but there is also ample amount of free parking in the area! I got there around 5:50 am and found a spot within 5 minutes of getting there.

There are plenty of bathrooms around the start line and runners finish area. Race corrals are organized and easy to get in and out of.

The volunteers at the aid stations rival the enthusiasm that you get at the actual marathon which is great!

This is a flat course so it is perfect for first time half marathoners! I personally prefer something that has a few ups and downs in it to keep the legs away but it’s a great course.

Be prepared to be a little more sore the day after, lake shore drive is 9 feet of solid concrete which gives no absorption or give when you run. So be prepared for a few extra aches and pains the next day, but nothing to worry about.

The views were awesome as always, even on a particularly overcast day like today was.

The medals this year were HUGE which I thought personal was great! I felt a little silly wearing it, I could barely hold my head up with it on;)

Over all this is a great race, very very well put on and organized, great music through out the course, lots of spectators considering how far south of the city it is. Its great to run as a competitor, as a first timer or for fun with friends!

One of my favorites.